The unique DressingSim
technology, OGM, can be referred to as a fabric measuring device that measures
the basic information for expressing
the shadows achieved when light is cast over fabrics.

OGM-2

The fabric to be measured
is placed on a plate in the centre of the device. With the
cloth just the size of a normal CD-ROM jacket or twelve
centimetres square, this plate rotates vertically 360°.

There is also a light source
(halogen lamp) fixed to one of the arms on the device. This
light source shines onto the fabric from every surrounding
angle.

There is a digital camera fixed
to another arm. The images of the fabric taken at different light
angles are saved page by page onto a control PC, and these are
housed in a table along with the data of the different illuminating
angles to create a database. This database that is created can
be used whenever CG images are made using Maya.

A result of OGM rendering

These fabric shadows that
are recorded through OGM provide a sumptuous expression
to the fabric movements produced by DressingSim
, creating very realistic and high quality simulation images.

OGM is not only used in fabrics,
but for example also to measure sections of metallic paints
for automobiles. It is possible to put the cars into movement
in a simulation to see how these metallic finishes will
end up appearing.

Please be aware that OGM 3 is planned for release this September
2003.